Vacuum Pump Connecting Element Integrating Filter and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pump systems with multiple pumps and filters are expensive, require significant space, and have inaccessible filter elements, making maintenance and replacement costly and complex, especially when dealing with particle-sensitive pumps.
Innovation Solution
A compact vacuum pump system design featuring a particle-resistant dry-running Roots pump followed by a particle-sensitive oil-sealed pump, with a dual-function connecting element that integrates a filter and supports the pumps, eliminating the need for a steel frame and allowing easy filter access and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steel frame with multiple vacuum pumps and filter elements is used, then particle protection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element merges multiple functions: it connects the first and second vacuum pumps, supports the second pump, and integrates the filter element. This consolidation eliminates the need for a separate steel frame and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining particle protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a structural support, a connection element, and a housing for the filter. This universal design reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If a steel frame with multiple vacuum pumps and filter elements is used, then particle protection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the support function, connection function, and filter housing into a single connecting element, manufacturing steps are reduced. The filter element can be directly integrated into the connecting element during assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If filter elements are integrated into a steel frame structure, then particle protection is achieved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached from the connecting element. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and replace the filter without disassembling the entire vacuum pump system or accessing difficult-to-reach locations within a steel frame.
4Device complexity
If a compact design without steel frame is used, then device complexity is reduced, but structural support capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is designed to simultaneously provide structural support for the second vacuum pump while maintaining a compact configuration. The element's geometry and material selection ensure adequate strength and stiffness to support the pump weight and operational forces without requiring a bulky steel frame structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum-pump system has a first vacuum pump (10), which is not sensitive to particles. A second vacuum pump (12), which is connected to the first vacuum pump (10), is sensitive to particles. The connecting element (14) between the two vacuum pumps (10, 12) is designed in such a way that the connecting element establishes a rigid connection and supports the first vacuum pump (10). Furthermore, the connecting element (14) is connected to filter elements (18, 20). The provision of a steel frame that supports the vacuum pumps is not required.